Mother Ella Lee Norris

Mother Ella Lee Norris, 80, of Peoria, Illinois, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home at 6:57 PM on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Ella was born on January 15, 1939 in Norwood, Louisiana to Robert and Fannie (Collins) Washington. Ella was ordained Mother of Morning Glory Community Church where she was a charter member and church secretary. She loved Praising the Lord! Mother Ella was a prayer warrior who was often sought after for her advice. Mother Ella always had a sweet, sweet spirit. Her home was always warm and inviting; she never met a stranger. When visiting her home, you could hear the Word of the Lord flowing through the air. Ella retired from Methodist Hospital as an Accounts Coordinator. She wanted to keep busy, so she worked some years at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center also as an Accounts Coordinator and in their health center. Ella went on to a second retirement from the United Way with the Helping Hands referral service. Ella loved traveling, cooking, shopping and her grandchildren. She was an avid Chicago Bulls fan. Ella leaves to cherish her most precious memory, her mother, Fannie Washington of Eureka, IL; four sons, Gregory, Sr. (JoAnn) Young of Peoria, IL; Ka’El “Michael Young” Zakiah of Chicago, IL, Frank Penigar of Milwaukee, WI, Rev. Marlon (Zina) Young, Sr of Peoria, IL; four daughters, Jodie (Arthur) Marshall, JeTuan Norris, Jacqueline Norris-Bush all of Peoria, IL and Carmen (Charles, Sr.) Averhart of Maywood, IL; two sisters, Rev. Beola Walls of Peoria, IL and Rev. Barbara (Dwight) Hunter of Olive Branch, MS; over 80 grand and great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her Morning Glory Community Church family. She is preceded in death by her father, brother, Michael Summerville and great grandson, Elijah. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Prince of Peace M.B. Church with a visitation one-hour before service beginning at 9 AM. Pastor Simon Holly, Jr. will officiate. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mother Ella Lee Norris

January 15, 1939 - May 28, 2019